Nationals Sign Eddie Guardado

The Nationals signed veteran left-hander Eddie Guardado to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. The deal is now official, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com. Fellow Nats beat writer Chico Harlan of the Washington Post reported that the sides agreed to a minor league deal, and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports first reported that a deal was close.

Guardado, 39, posted a 4.46 ERA, 4.7 K/9, and 3.5 BB/9 for the Rangers in 38.3 innings this year after signing a minor league deal in February. He battled shoulder and knee injuries and mulled retirement after the season. Guardado had a preference for the West Coast, but presumably the opportunity wasn't there.

The Nats, who also signed Matt Capps this week, add an option for tough NL East lefties like Chase Utley and Ryan Howard; Guardado has allowed just a .228/.273/.372 line against left-handed hitters in his 17-year career.

Ben Nicholson-Smith also contributed to this post.